I have had a simply delightful few days recently with a visit from the son of an old friend from Melbourne Australia.  We were pleased to enjoy his company and share in conversation that I believe will continue into eternity!  

Stefan has become as dear to our family as his mother, Wendy,  who I was blessed to spend many days and weeks traveling with when I was doing worship/music ministry in Australia, Singapore and Indonesia.  She and I became fast friends almost from the moment I saw her standing and worshiping in a congregation at a missions conference in Singapore.  Somehow, by the grace of God, our hearts connected and a friendship began that endured many miles and years.  Our hearts grew closer through long letters discussing the goings on of our lives and the amazing God we both loved to serve!  I was to see her quite a number of times as there were many invitations to her country after I had connected with some of the churches in Australia.  (They enjoyed the music/worship I shared almost as much as I loved the people and travel there.)  She was able to come to St. Louis one summer as well and spend some time with our family.  While here, her radiant smile touched many with extensions of the light and love of Jesus.

Sadly, Wendy passed on over a decade ago after a sudden cancer diagnoses.  It was a sad time and even still does not seem real that she is no longer here on earth with us.  Her bubbly Spirit-filled personality left many with seeds of salvation, prayers and desire to seek the same God she had so run after in the days of knowing her God. 

Her son, Stefan and I have kept some communications going through the years following her passing.  Recently he planned a trip to visit some friends in Canada and decided to come on down to St. Louis and spend some time here as well.  I somehow knew we would get along well from the conversations we'd had, and sure enough, he slid right into our lives and family like a glove!  What a joy to share with this man of faith, who carries with him a life of rich Christian love and righteousness!  

We began our week visiting many places and people in St. Louis! Since there simply was not time to do everything, the days became a patchwork "quilt" of what this city and area has to offer.

There was a day at the U-City Family Church where a wonderful celebration of "newly-born" believers took place with baptisms and hearty worship in a building us locals know as the Tivoli Theater.  In the photo here, the pastor brings one of those new life's out of the water where this young man allowed God to "bury" his old self and begin a clean start with Jesus as his Lord and Savior!  

We walked through the beautiful Missouri Botanical Gardens where the freshness of spring is bursting all around!  How appropriate to discuss life and the joys of being a believer in such a colorful place that reflects our marvelous Creator!  

There was Union Station with its glamour and recent "up-do" on the inside.  The lighting and displays going on hourly in the Grand Hall are breath-taking! 

The Old Courthouse is well worth visiting anytime - be sure and go inside to see the magnificent rotunda - and read a little as you go to get the tid-bits of our fair city's history!

The Old Cathedral - first Cathedral built west of the Mississippi - is stately and just as beautiful now as when it was built over 200 years ago.

Of course there is the Gateway Arch.  We took the tour to the top, and as always, it did not disappoint!  Just one more experience in proof that on a clear day, one can see forever!